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Gill not upset about Smith's Test hopes

Stand-out performer ... Gill is currently Super Rugby's premier pilferer but knows Wallabies selection is out of his hands.

Getty Images: Jonathan Wood

Reds openside flanker Liam Gill says he is not losing any sleep over the prospect of George Smith making a return for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith returned to the Brumbies this season on a short-term contract, having been loaned to the Canberra-based franchise by Japanese Top League club Suntory.

The nature of the contract, which runs until the end of May, means Smith is not eligible for the Wallabies under Australian Rugby Union (ARU) rules.

Players must be on a full contract with an Australian Super Rugby franchise, although the ARU has hinted it could be flexible with its ruling should Wallabies coach Robbie Deans make a request to have Smith available.

Deans has carefully chosen his words when asked about Smith, but privately he is believed to be strongly considering the option in light of David Pocock's season-ending knee injury.

The Brumbies are considering asking Suntory to extend its loan period, given the outstanding form Smith has displayed in the past three matches.

The 110-Test veteran has smoothly slotted in at openside flanker following Pocock's injury, displaying a high workrate at the breakdown as well as in defence and attack.

Gill has been the stand-out openside flanker in Super Rugby this season and is considered to have skipped ahead of the Waratahs' Michael Hooper in the pecking order of Australian number sevens.

But Smith's experience, having played the Lions in 2001, would be an attraction for Deans, who coached the 32-year-old at the international level in 2008 and 2009.

Gill says he realises it is a decision for Deans and the ARU whether the rules are changed to allow Smith to return for the Wallabies.

"It's great for Australia to have him back here playing and it is completely out of my control about what happens down the track," Gill said.

The 20-year-old Gill admits he was a fan of Smith when he was growing up and he welcomes his return to Super Rugby.

"He's a fantastic player, the first week he came straight back into Super Rugby he was one of the best players in the whole competition," he said.

"He's a super talent. He has 110 Tests to his name. It's no surprise to anyone how good a player he is."